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School of Health Sciences

Thayananthee Nadasan

Prof.

Thayananthee Nadasan

Senior Lecturer

EMAIL
nadasant@ukzn.ac.za

TELEPHONE
031-260-7939

CAMPUS
Westville Campus

Office Addres
E1 – 05 – 018

BIOSKETCH
My academic career spans over 37 years (teaching and lecturing) and 40 years of clinical experience in a Joint Health Establishment post between DoH and UKZN. This shows my dedication, passion as the longest female serving African Scholar in physiotherapy (lived 32 years in apartheid era) and the significant impact I have made in the four areas: Teaching and learning, research and innovation, leadership and academic administration and academic citizenship. With significant growth in my research trajectory, I have combined these four areas to ensure maximum benefit and impact to my students, colleagues and with the primary health care service delivery to the people in KZN especially those living with disability and chronic health conditions in the marginalized communities in KZN, South Africa and globally. I obtained a doctorate in 2010 on primary health care service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal with special reference to physiotherapy which led to my international acclaim with subsequent papers presented at two international conferences. I have surpassed the performance expectations at the level of Associate Professor over the last three years. Teaching and learning- I have been involved in curriculum development and implementation, in academic leadership working towards consistently developing and promoting the next generation of academics, clinicians and scholars as I was the only senior lecturer in 2016. Most current staff were my undergraduate students and/or postgraduate colleagues. As Academic Leader, I mentored and developed three colleagues to senior lecturer and associate professor levels as well as involved with succession planning of colleagues to Academic leadership positions including the current AL. Moreover, I published papers in education as well as in physiotherapy. I emerged as a leader with governance positions at Discipline, School, College and University level as a Senator. I collaborated nationally & internationally, mentored staff in teaching, research, academic leadership, administration & citizenship. I am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (PT 0034991) and the South African Society of Physiotherapy (MNAD030) since 1984 to date.  In addition, I am registered with the Golden Key International Honour Society (Membership Number – 6774791) since 2010 to date for high achievement with my PhD.

Experience

  • 40 years of clinical (Department of Health) & 37 years teaching experience (UKZN).
  • Senator representing School of Health Sciences for 3 years: 2018- 2020
  • School of Health Sciences representative for the last 3 tears to date
  • Junior and senior physiotherapist work experience.
  • Experience of curriculum and programme development and evaluation. Academic leadership (2005-2007, 2011-2012-2016-2017).
  • External examiner for undergraduate and post graduate masters and PhD students
  • I have served on the editorial board of SA Journal of Physiotherapy and SA Gesondheid. Reviewed research projects for National Research Foundation and Medical Research Council.
  • Peer reviewed publications for both national and international journals.

Degrees Held

  • PhD
  • Masters in Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Cum Laude)
  • Higher Education Diploma (Tertiary)
  • Diploma in Ortho-pedagogies

Awards

  • Awarded membership to Golden Key International Honour Society – placed in the first 15% of achievers in UKZN. Excellent academic record for PhD coursework in 2005-2006. UKZN bursaries for the years 2007-2009. UDW- Received a book prize from the South African Society of Physiotherapy for the best final year undergraduate student.

Teaching Interest​

  • Community based rehabilitation
  • Community based primary healthcare education
  • Neurology and Rehabilitation

Supervision

  • Supervised over 100 (hons) graduates
  • 19 Masters Graduates completed
  • PhDs- Four completed. Two handed in for examination in November 2024
  • 1 Post doctorial (2 years) , now Honorary Research Fellow
  • Currently supervising 3 Masters and 3 at PHD level
RESEARCH INTERESTS
  • Primary Health Care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Orthopaedics
  • Cardiopulmonary
  • Neurology
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Online books

29 DHET accredited publications since the last promotion as follows:
  • 2024 = 6 published and 2 publications accepted in peer-reviewed journals
  • 2023 = 6 publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • 2022 = 6 publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • 2021 = 1 publication in a peer-reviewed journal
  • 2020 = 7 publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • 2019 = 1 publication in a peer-reviewed journal
1
2025
Mazibuko SM, Govender P, Nadasan T. Voices From the Journey: Exploring Rehabilitation Experience of Individuals with Disabilities in a South African Province has been accepted into Patient Experience Journal
2
2024/5
Mazibuko SM, Govender P, Nadasan T. Stakeholders’ views on public-private partnerships for rehabilitation services in South Africa pre- National Health Insurance. S Afr Fam Pract. 2024; 66(1), a6013. https://doi. org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.6013 Accepted for publication
3
2024
Hooblaul, M., Olagbegi, O.M. & Nadasan, T., 2024, ‘Physiotherapy students’ and officers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of mental health’, Health SA Gesondheid 29(0), a2627. https://doi.org/10.4102/ hsag.v29i0.2627
4
2024
Mazibuko S.M, Nadasan T, & Govender P. 2024, South African Medical Rehabilitation Services Delivery: A Mixed Method Exploring the Views of Stakeholders on Availability, Accessibility, Quality, Affordability, Equity, Effectiveness, and Efficiency. Pan African Medical Journal. 2024;48(159). 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.159.43199 Available online at: https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com//content/article/48/159/full
 5
2024
Hooblaul, M., Olagbegi, O.M. & Nadasan, T., 2024, ‘Mental health content in the physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum in South Africa’, South African Journal of Physiotherapy 80(1), a2061. Pgs 1-8 https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp. v80i1.2061ISSN: (Online) 2410-8219, (Print) 0379-6175
 6
2024
Mazibuko SM, Nadasan T, Govender P. Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Rehabilitation Services in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa: A Mixed-method Study. Function and Disability Journal. 2024; 7: E305.1. Pages 1-19. http://dx.doi.org/10.32598/fdj.7.305.1
 7
2024
Adeniji, T., Nadasan, T., Olagbegi, O. M., & Dada, O. 2024. “Prevalence estimations of selected motor dysfunction and non-motor impairments among stroke survivors in a Medical Centre in Nigeria.” Iranian Rehabilitation Journal Accepted for publication.
  8
2024
Nadasan T, Maharaj S, Singh.S. 2024. Physiotherapy students’ oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices at an identified institution of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaSouth African Dental Journal. www.sada.co.za / SADJ Vol. 79 No.3:pg 131-136 https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v79i03.16859 The SADJ is licensed under Creative Commons Licence CC-BY-NC-4.0.
  9
2024
Adeniji T, Nadasan T, Olagbegi OM, Dada O. 2024. Development and Feasibility of a Telerehabilitation Programme Combined with or without Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation   tDCS Among Older Adults with Post-Stroke Mild Cognitive Impairment. Babcock University Medical Journal. 7(1):74-87 https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v7i1.333
10
2023
Hooblaul M, Nadasan T, Oladapo OM. Mental health education for physiotherapists: A scoping review. S Afr J Psychiat.2023;29(0), a2127. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v29i0.2127 ISSN: (Online) 2078-6786, (Print) 1608-9685  Pgs 1-12 Online
11
2023
SM. Mazibuko, T. Nadasan, P. Govender, Mapping global evidence on public‑private partnership for medical rehabilitation services delivery: a scoping review protocol. Open access: BMC, Systematic Reviews (2023) 12:2, pages 1-6 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02155-4
12
2023
Mazibuko, S.M., Nadasan, T., & Govender, P., 2023, ‘Global evidence on public-private partnership models for rehabilitation service delivery: A scoping review’, South African Journal of Physiotherapy 79(1), a1856, pages 1-8. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1856
13
2023
T. Adeniji, T. Nadasan, O. Michael Olagbegi, O. Dada, 2023, Telerehabilitation-Based Exercises with or without Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain, Motor and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with mild Cognitive Impairments Post-Stroke: A Multi-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol, Brain Hemorrhages, Vol. 4. 122-128, Open Access .doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hest.2023.01.004
14
2023
T. Adeniji, O.M. Olagbegi, T. Nadasan, O. Dada, 2023, Effectiveness of telerehabilitation-based exercises plus transcranial direct current stimulation for stroke rehabilitation among older adults: A scoping review, Brain Hemorrhages, Vol. 4. 136-146. Open Access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hest.2022.11.002
15
2023
Ojedoyin OO, Nadasan T, Olagbegi OM, Govender P. Prevalence of Low Physical Fitness and Its Related Factors Among Primary School Learners in Lagos State, Nigeria. Iranian Journal of Health Sciences. 2023; 11(1):1-12. http://dx.doi. org/10.32598/ijhs.11.1.918.1
16
2022
Ojedoyin OO, Nadasan T, Govender P, Olagbegi OO A scoping review on the implementation of Global Observatory on Physical Activity recommendations for school children in Sub-Saharan Africa; Health Promotion Perspectives, 2022, 12(4), 336-344 doi: 10.34172/hpp.2022.43; https://hpp.tbzmed.ac.ir
17
2022
Ojedoyin OO, Olagbegi OM, Nadasan T, Govender P.2022. Levels and Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour of Primary School Learners in Lagos State, Nigeria International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume number: 19, Issue number: 10745 (Pages: 1-17) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710745
18
2022
Buys E, Pefile N, Nadasan T, Ogunlana MO & Naidoo D. Clinical and socio-demographic determinants of community reintegration in people with spinal cord injury in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province. SA Journal of Physiotherapy. 2022. 78(1), Pages 1-7, a1631. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp. v78i1.1631 ISSN: 0379-6175, E-ISSN: 2410-8219
19
2022
Olagbegi OM, Nadasan T, Mazibuko Y, Mfenga E, Rangana K & Themba R. Physical fitness profile of rural versus urban primary school children in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Human Movement 2022; 23(3), pages 1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hm.2022.107974
20
 2022
Natalie Naidoo; Oladapo Michael Olagbegi; Thayananthee Nadasan; Joshua Oluwafisayo Afolabi (2022). Comparison of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in secondary and university students Rev Rene. 2022;23:e71433. Pages 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.20222371433
21
2022
Olagbegi, O. M., Khosa, S. B., Nadasan, T., & Govender, P. (2022). Association between physical fitness and anthropometric, cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors in primary schoolchildren in KwaZulu‑Natal Province, South Africa.South African Journal of Child Health, 16(4), 225–231. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAJCH.2022.v16i4.1896
22
2021
Ahmed UA, Nadasan T, Van Oosterwijck J & Maharaj SS. 2021. The effect of Muscles Energy Technique in the Management of Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Scoping Review. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 34: 179-193. DOI 10.3233/BMR-200011
23
2020
Ahmed UA, Maharaj SS, Nadasan T, Kaka B. September 2020. Cross-cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Hausa Version of Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire in patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain. Scandinavian Journal of Pain. Online. https://doi.org/10.1515/sjpain-20200071 Pages1-9
24
2020
Ayeni GO, Olagbegi OM, Nadasan T, Abanobi OC, Daniel EO. July 2020. Factors Influencing Compliance with The Utilization of Effective Malaria Treatment and Preventive Measures in Wulu, South Sudan. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences. 30(4):501-512. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v30i4.5
25
2020
Hendricks N., Nadasan T., Olagbegi OM., Chemane N. April 2020. Patient characteristics, therapy service delivery and patient outcomes following pyrocarbon proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2020; 50(1): 3-11. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/23103833/2020/Vol50n1a2
26
2020
Dawson PMT, Nadasan T & Govender P. Prevalence Estimations of the Co-morbidity of ADHD and DCD in children aged 8-9 years in KZN, South Africa. South African Journal of Child Health. South African Journal of Child Health) S Afr J Child Health 2020;14(4):180-184.  https://doi.org/10.7196/SAJCH.2020.v14i4.1676
27
2020
Usman Abba Ahmed U. A., Nadasan T., Van Oosterwijck J. and Maharaj SS. 8 April 2020. Effect of dynamic stabilisation exercise therapy enhanced with muscles energy technique on some selected patients outcomes and trunk muscles function in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a study protocol. European Journal of Physiotherapy. ISSN: 2167-9169 (Print) 2167-9177 (Online) Journal homepage:  https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/iejp20. doi=10.1080/21679169.2020.1748710. Pages 1-11
28
 2020
Ayeni OG; Olagbegi OM; Daniel EO; Nadasan T; Abanobi OC. 2020. Perception of basic package of health services’ impact on health service and mortality among residents of Wulu County, South Sudan. Journal of Public Health: From Theory to Practice. Published online: 18 January 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01213-2. 1-10
29
2020
Nadasan T & Chetty V. 2020. Preparedness for Practice: Physiotherapists view on an undergraduate programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Global Journal of Health Science. Vol 12 No 1. 88-95. ISSN 1916-9736. Doi: 10.5539/gjhs.v12n1p88. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v12n1p88
International conference presentations in 2024
  1. Hooblaul M, Nadasan T, Oladapo OM. Physiotherapy Students and Physiotherapy Community Service Officers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Mental Health. The 24th Congress of the European Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM2024) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, between 23 – 27 April 2024
  2. T. Adeniji, T. Nadasan, O. Michael Olagbegi, O. Dada.Telerehabilitation-Based Exercises with or without Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain, Motor and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairments Post-Stroke: A Multi-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial. The 24th Congress of the European Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM2024) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, between 23 – 27 April 2024
  3. T. Adeniji, T. Nadasan, O. Michael Olagbegi, O. Dada. Prevalence estimations of selected motor dysfunction and non-motor impairments among stroke survivors in a Tertiary healthcare institution in Nigeria. The 24th Congress of the European Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM2024) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, between 23 – 27 April 2024.
  4. Virtual attendance at the NESAEVENT- 24-26 May 2024, scientific and clinical conference
  Journal Articles
  • Nadasan T and Penceliah Y. 15th -17th November 2010. Primary Health Care Delivery: A Case Study of KwaZulu-Natal with special reference to Physiotherapy.
  • Proceedings of International Conference for Education, Research and Innovation 2010 Conference (ICERI2010). ISBN: 978-84-614-2439-9. 1220-1227.
  • Godlwana L; Nadasan T. and Puckree T. 2008. Global Trends in Incidence of Lower Limb Amputation. SA Journal of Physiotherapy. Vol 64 No 1, 8-12.
  • Kalyan S.R; Nadasan T. and Puckree T. 2007. The Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injuries. SA Journal of Physiotherapy. Vol 63 No 3, 32-36.
  •  Nadasan T. and Puckree T. 2003. Do the selection criteria for admittance to the physiotherapy program predict student’s performance? SA Journal of Physiotherapy. Vol 59 No 3. 20-24.
  • Nadasan T. and Puckree T. 2001. Clinical Education: A University Of Durban- Westville Case Study. SA Journal of Physiotherapy. Vol 57 No 3. 28-31.
  • Puckree T and Nadasan T. 2015. Chapter 12: The nature of disability in South Africa and the role of Primary Health Care. Chapter in a book: Smith P. 2014. Disability and Culture: An international and inter-professional perspective. First edition. Common Ground Publishers, USA.  ISBN 1612294936 and 9781612294933. 120-127
  • Nadasan T; Reddy P; Reddy P. 2018. Physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of the International Classification of Function, disability and health in the Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • Abstracts/ Annals of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine. 61S. e435-e557. Adegoke BO; Jegede JA; Olagbegi OM; Christie CJ; Nadasan T; 2020.
  • Mismatch between workstation and body dimensions among computer users in Ibadan Nigeria. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development.
  • Puckree T and Nadasan T. 2015. Chapter 12: The nature of disability in South Africa and the role of Primary Health Care. Chapter in a book: Smith P. 2014. Disability and Culture: An international and inter-professional perspective. First edition. Common Ground Publishers, USA.  ISBN 1612294936 and 9781612294933. 120-127